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What Are Awake Windows and How Do I Use Them?

Writer's picture: Kelsey FloresKelsey Flores

You’ve probably heard the phrase “awake windows” thrown around a lot in the baby world. But what on earth does that actually mean? Don't worry, you’re not alone in navigating the wonderful (and sometimes confusing) world of baby sleep! Let’s dive into what awake windows are, why they matter, and how they can help keep your baby happy and well-rested. 


What Are Awake Windows?

Simply put, awake windows refer to the ideal amount of time a baby can be awake before they need to sleep again. Imagine it as a little sweet spot where your baby is awake, alert, and ready to play, but not too overtired or cranky. These windows vary depending on your baby’s age and individual temperament.


For instance, newborns might only handle 45 to 90 minutes of wakefulness, while older babies may thrive with 2 to 3 hours of awake time. It's all about finding that perfect balance for your little one!


Why Do Awake Windows Matter?

Understanding awake windows is super important for several reasons:


1. Prevent Overtiredness: Overstimulated babies can become fussy and have a harder time settling down for sleep. By watching those awake windows, you can help your baby avoid hitting the overtired wall, which makes sleep smoother for everyone.

   

2. Promote Better Sleep: Babies who are put down for a nap or bedtime within their optimal awake window usually fall asleep easier and sleep more soundly. Yay for uninterrupted naps! 😴

   

3. Encourage Happy Playtime: When you time those awake windows right, your little one is more likely to be in a good mood, ready for playtime, tummy time, or just some sweet cuddles with you!



How to Figure Out Your Baby's Sweet Spot

Every baby is unique, and the best way to understand your baby’s awake windows is to observe their cues. Here are some tips to help you get started:


1. Look at the chart below to see the awake window range for your baby. Think of this as the minimum and maximum. 


2. Watch for Sleep Cues: Look out for signs that your baby is getting sleepy. These could include yawning, rubbing eyes, looking away, pulling on ears, or eyebrows turning red. When you notice these cues, it’s a good time to start your wind-down routine.

  

3. Allow for flexibility: Some days your baby might have a longer awake window, and some days they might need more sleep. This is why you want to use them as simply a minimum and maximum. Use the sleepy cues in between to see when they are actually needing sleep in order to prevent overtiredness. Also, keep in mind that typically awake windows lengthen throughout the day. For example, a 9 month old might have a 2.5 hour awake window in the morning, 3 hour awake window between nap 1 and 2, and a 3.5 hour awake window before bedtime. We usually want to see the shortest in the morning and the longest before bedtime. 



Here's a quick reference for how long babies typically can stay awake based on their age (for more detailed information on how to navigate scheduling, click here!):


Baby Sleep Schedule Guide: Suggested nap and bedtime routines for infants and toddlers from 0-36 months. Includes awake windows, nap durations, and total hours of sleep to ensure optimal rest.
Baby Sleep Schedule Guide: Suggested nap and bedtime routines for infants and toddlers from 0-36 months. Includes awake windows, nap durations, and total hours of sleep to ensure optimal rest.


Consider these helpful resources instead. (PS- my methods are THE MOST responsive and gentle, based 100% on child development science and a secure attachment theory. Hundreds of families have taken my courses and felt more rested and ready to tackle parenting because of it!)

  • Compassionate Sleep Training Video Course (0-24 Months) BEST SELLER

    • This class is a workshop model. You will lead you through identifying the root cause of your baby’s sleep issues, setting up successful sleep foundations, teaching your baby to put themselves to sleep and fall back asleep during wake ups, and achieving consistent, predictable naps. This is the most comprehensive guide!

  • Grab and Go Sleep Plans

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